Mass Media (BA)

This course helps students develop a flexible writing process, practice rhetorical awareness, read critically to support their writing, research effectively, represent others ideas in multiple ways, reflect on their writing practices, and polish their work.

MASS 110 Introduction to Mass Communication 4 credits Nature, functions, responsibilities and effects of the media in contemporary society.

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Major Common Core

MASS 221W Media Writing Fundamentals 4 credits Basic techniques of gathering information and writing readable and accurate media stories.

Prerequisites: ENG 101, MASS 110

MASS 312 Mass Communication Law 4 credits

Principles of the First Amendment, libel, fair trial, privacy, access to news, pornography and regulation of radio and television.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

MASS 411 Mass Communication Ethics and Criticism 4 credits Study, analysis and criticism of the mass media, their ethics and performance.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

MASS 498 Mass Communication Internship 2-4 credits

Prerequisites: MASS 221W, MASS 312, and MASS 411, plus two additional 300/400 level MASS courses, one of which must be MASS 325, MASS 330, MASS 334, MASS 431, MASS 434 or MASS 436

Major Restricted Electives

Group 1 - Choose 4 Credit(s).

MASS 233 Public Relations Principles 4 credits

Survey of current practices and problems in the field of public relations. Emphasizes successful case histories and planning techniques.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

MASS 260 Principles of Visual Mass Communication 4 credits

Exploration of the basic principles of visual media design, stressing the significance of images in a mass media society. Special focus on contextualizing historial and technological changes affecting image production for mass media.

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

MASS 325W Reporting and Editing 4 credits

Discussion of and practice in reporting about public affairs and social issues, plus examination of copy editing and headline writing for traditional and new media.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

MASS 330W Multimedia Storytelling 4 credits

Creation of photo, audio, video, and written content for multi-platform distribution. Includes critical consideration and application of content creation tools, social media management tools, and legal and ethical issues.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

MASS 340 Mass Communication Research 4 credits

This course introduces students to the concepts, approaches and tools for gathering and analyzing information in mass media research. Students will become acquainted with and effectively use the terminology and concepts used in mass media research.

Group 2 - Choose 4 Credit(s). Focused-Writing Course

MASS 325W Reporting and Editing 4 credits

Discussion of and practice in reporting about public affairs and social issues, plus examination of copy editing and headline writing for traditional and new media.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

MASS 330W Multimedia Storytelling 4 credits

Creation of photo, audio, video, and written content for multi-platform distribution. Includes critical consideration and application of content creation tools, social media management tools, and legal and ethical issues.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

MASS 334 Writing & Speaking for Broadcast 4 credits Planning, writing and delivering of broadcast news.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

MASS 431W Freelance Writing 4 credits Marketing and writing of non-fiction articles for contemporary print and electronic magazines.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

MASS 434W Public Relations Writing 4 credits

Practical skill in the development of public relations writing including news releases, brochures, public service announcements, pitch letters, annual reports.

Prerequisites: MASS 233

MASS 436W Specialized Writing 4 credits

Techniques and practicum in writing of features, reviews, editorials, opinion columns and other specialized fields for print and electronic media.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Major Unrestricted Electives

Choose 12 Credit(s).

MASS 112 - 499 credits

Other Graduation Requirements

Choose 8 credit(s): take one series Language

Minor

Required Minor: Yes. Any.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 15 Credits